New Grad Feeling Lost...

[Flyhigh_RN]

Quick back story.

I started working in a step down ICU unit after graduation - 6 months ago. I love my job, I go in with no complaints, do my work and leave and learn something each day. I get along great with my coworkers and they are a helping hand each day. Recently had a meeting with my supervisor to discuss future goals and she noted that "your co-workers don't feel like you challenge yourself"

I'm torn as to what to do - I don't make the assignments here and when requesting further help from the charge nurse I'm ignored. I've expressed my concern r/t this with my supervisor and she said she hopes to see me pick it up.

In the 6 months there, I never felt I was holding back, nor do I know how to go about "challenging" myself more.

Any advice or guidance?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You are doing a fantastic job. Each day on stepdown is a learning experience. Cut your

self some slack, because your manager is a controlling idiot. I have been there did that.

[Flyhigh_RN]

Thanks I now feel like I should be doing more now but not sure how. I'm not a person to sit and watch while others are busy. I'm always available to help when my time permits. I took it quite personal b/c up till now I felt good about myself at work.

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

What a weird way to phrase that. Did you ask her exactly what she'd expect to see with you "challenging yourself"?

[Crush]

What a weird way to phrase that. Did you ask her exactly what she'd expect to see with you "challenging yourself"?

I agree. Maybe asking her to clarify what she meant by that. Keep doing what you are doing.

[Flyhigh_RN]

To take patients more complex. Which is great learning opportunity but as a new grad, I didn't think I should be diving in over my head without a mentor.

I just HATE looking like a "slack" nurse. I'm trying so hard. I've taken pt's on bipap (not part of the job description but have done it), drips, dka's. Just torn as what else to do to show her I'm willing to learn.

I've done a telemetry course on my own to broaden my knowledge and learn reading strips more. My end goal is eventually a NICU but currently feeling like I'll never get there with this feedback from her.

[JKL33]

Quick back story.

I started working in a step down ICU unit after graduation - 6 months ago. I love my job, I go in with no complaints, do my work and leave and learn something each day. I get along great with my coworkers and they are a helping hand each day. Recently had a meeting with my supervisor to discuss future goals and she noted that "your co-workers don't feel like you challenge yourself"

I'm torn as to what to do - I don't make the assignments here and when requesting further help from the charge nurse I'm ignored. I've expressed my concern r/t this with my supervisor and she said she hopes to see me pick it up.

In the 6 months there, I never felt I was holding back, nor do I know how to go about "challenging" myself more.

Any advice or guidance?

Honestly I would've asked for clarification. You still can, actually. Who knows what this means. It could be anything from "seriously not gaining critical thinking skills," etc., to empty criticism for not looking as frazzled as they think you should.

This is pretty irksome. With all the complaints and difficulties and rumors of trouble for new grads, I would think that someone who performs solidly at the basics as a relatively new nurse would absolutely thrill them.